“Sharing Information, Valuing Diversity& Working in Partnership for a Safer City”

The City of Edinburgh Policing Plan 2006/07 has now been published, to help us tackle competing policing priorities during the next 12 months in terms of national security, the protection of vulnerable members of our communities, the policing of a multitude of events and the reduction of crime and disorder. The Plan emphasises that the sharing of information remains key to providing the highest quality of service and so we will continue to proactively engage with our partners and the diverse communities across the City to ensure that police officers are working where they are most needed.

An electronic copy of the Plan will accompany this month's e-mailed newsletter. (Awaiting file)

Allan Shanks, Chief Superintendent.

Hot Topic

Nipping Garden Crime in the Bud

Spring is upon us and many of you will be dusting down the lawnmower and garden tools in the hope of producing an award-winning garden. Unfortunately, at this time of year, break-ins to garden sheds and thefts from gardens become more common. Many people store bicycles, power tools and expensive gardening equipment in sheds, making them an attractive target for criminals. These criminals consider this type of crime to be low risk, as there is no need to force entry to your home. However, there is much that can be done to outsmart garden thieves.

Use a good quality closed shackle padlock on your shed door - the hasp should be attached using coach bolts rather than screws.

You should keep valuable items in the house - if they must stay in the shed, chain and lock them up.

Loop a bike lock through the handles of garden forks, spades, etc. - these items can be used as tools to force entry to your home.

Fit a shed alarm - they can be purchased for a few pounds from DIY retailers.

Local News

Tollcross Sector – Beat 30 – Dalry

Domestic Housebreakings reduced dramatically during March, there were two attempts in Duff Street and Richmond Terrace, and two Theft Housebreakings in Dalry Road and Torphichen Place which I'm pleased to report have been solved and that three males have been reported.There was one Business Housebreaking in Morrison Street and two pedal cycles were stolen from Caledonian Crescent and Dalry Gait.Youth calls again increased to 30 in March which included 10 for snowballers, areas around Duff Street and Downfield Place are showing cause for concearn and extra attention to these areas will be given by myself and other officers from the West End.I would ask you to report any suspicious persons you see in the area, in your common stair or who call at your door. Do Not allow persons into your stair if you don't know them.

Constable Bryce's Community Police surgeries will be held between 1300 and 1400 hrs on the first Wednesday and 1800 and 1900 hrs on the first Thursday of each month at The Gorgie Dalry Partnership Office, 258 Dalry Road, Edinburgh.

Tollcross Sector – Beat 31 – Fountainbridge

Domestic Housebreakings. Flats in Yeaman Place and Lochrin Buildings, and a main door house in Gilmore Place were entered. DVD's were stolen from all three properties. With warmer weather approaching, remember to lock all windows when leaving your property unattended.Auto Crime: A red Ford Fiesta was stolen from Gibson Terrace. There were 7 vehicles broken into or had property removed from them. These occurred at Hailes Street, Lower Gilmore Place, Bryson Road (2), West Tollcross (2) and Dundee Terrace.Two pedal cycles were stolen, from Gillespie Street and Leamington Terrace.There were 7 youth calls during March. 3 in Home Street area, 3 Viewforth area, and 1 Dundee Terrace.

Constable Goodall's next Community Police Surgery will be held between 1100 and 1200 hours on Wednesday 24th May, 2006, at the North Merchiston Youth Club, 48 Watson Crescent, Edinburgh.

Tollcross Sector – Beat 32 – Tollcross

The were 5 Domestic Housebreakings in March, at George IV Bridge, Forrest Road, Lauriston Place, Kings Stables Road and Spittal Street.Auto Crime: A silver Kawasaki ZX600 motorcycle was stolen from Lauriston Gardens and a white Vauxhall Combo van was stolen from Johnston Terrace. 7 other vehicles were broken into in George Square Lane (2), Bread Street Lane, Drumdryan Street, Heriot Bridge, Buccleuch Place, and Lauriston Place.5 pedal cycles were stolen in March, from Lauriston Street, Grassmarket, High Riggs (2), and Panmure Place. Most of them had the security chain cut.Thefts within licensed premised continue to be a problem with mobile phones a favoured item. Jackets and handbags should not be left unattended. It only takes a few seconds to steal your property.There were 15 youth related calls, 7 of which were in the Meadows area. The others were spread across the beat.

Stewart Sandilands – Tollcross Sector Inspector.

Useful Numbers

And Finally...

Community Beat Officers (CBO’s)

The three Community Beat Officers for theTollcross Sector can be contacted on0131 221 2008 or by e-mail as follows